Development and pilot testing of a measure of potential barriers and facilitators to the use of a standardized assessment tool

Abstract

Introduction: Standardized assessment tools (SATs) are essential to evidence-based assessment practices. Identifying what impedes clinicians' use of a SAT can help tailor strategies promoting its use in clinical practice. This article presents the development of the “Measure of potential barriers and facilitators to the Use of a Standardized assessment Tool (MUST)” questionnaire. Preliminary findings are also reported from pilot testing in which the MUST was used to investigate occupational therapists' (OTs) perceptions of potential barriers and facilitators to the use of the Activities of Daily Living Profile (ADL Profile), a SAT evaluating independence in everyday activities of cognitively impaired adults.

Methods: The MUST was administered to 41 OTs attending continuing education workshops on the ADL Profile. Internal consistency was explored using Chronbach alpha. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze scores for each statement.

Results: Internal consistency for subscales related to clinicians' characteristics (α = 0.7) and to the SAT's characteristics (α = 0.8) were adequate but lower for the subscale related to the clinical setting (α = 0.6). OTs' perceptions of potential barriers were associated with: OTs' perceived self-efficacy; ADL Profile's applicability to OTs' clienteles; ADL Profile's compatibility with values promoted in the work setting and with clients' preferences; limited peer support; time to implement the ADL Profile.

Discussion: The MUST, a theory-informed questionnaire, may prove useful in identifying potential barriers needing to be addressed in continuing education training promoting the use of SATs by clinicians. The MUST is quick to administer and initial testing provides support for its internal consistency.